A few years back in 2013 I was sent to have an MRI of head (unrelated to autism). I had no preconceived ideas about having an MRI other than I was keen to have one so that I would at last get answers to questions about strange symptoms I had been having. So I laid on the table in eager anticipation. The pads went in under my legs to stabilise me and make me comfortable, no problem. Then a large brace/cage type thing was put around my head which was necessary to hold my head still during the process. This was when the feelings of panic started, even before I got into the machine. I’ve always had problems with having to keep still, I can feel panicky having a knee X-ray because I have to keep still so now I was being forced into submission so to speak. I had headphones on too which were exerting a lot of pressure on my ears which was also making me very uncomfortable. Then I got into the machine and the top of the machine was so close to my face. 3 minutes in and I was pressing my panic button. The staff gave me a breather and we tried again but this time I lasted about 30 seconds. I couldn’t wait to get out.
consequently I never had the mri and my mysterious symptoms were never identified. Down the line it looks like the symptoms are to be investigated again which means another mri on the horizon. I more recently had an mri on my back which lasted about 20minutes. 5mg of Diazepam just about got me through that. Certainly don’t think it would have been enough for a 90 minute session.
My question is this, as I am now convinced that the panic was a symptom of undiagnosed autism and therefore probably a sensory issue rather than bog standard claustrophobia, has anyone else found a way to conquer this. I really need this MRI this time but don’t know how to go about being successful in seeing it through.
